AR HB1730

Authorizers may now transfer or assign a public charter school's charter as a disciplinary action, in addition to existing powers to modify, revoke, or deny renewal.

Public charter schools may voluntarily petition their authorizer for assignment of their charter.

When a charter is transferred or assigned, the new operator is not held responsible for any prior activities or disciplinary actions of the previous operator.

The authorizer must issue a new local education agency number and cannot issue an annual report until the new operator completes at least one school year.

The Department of Education gains explicit authority to transfer or assign public charters, and transferred school funds are held in receivership by the department until the State Board of Education approves the action.